FIRST.Org - Event Office

Traci Wei - Owner & CEO

Traci joined the CAPS team in the autumn of 2007 with a focus on association event management within the information security and technology sectors. She became a partner in the firm in January 2013 and took over ownership and day-to-day operations in January 2015. In her tenure, she has successfully developed and executed a variety of domestic and international conferences, workshops, corporate meetings, and STEM mentorship programs.

Traci holds a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. in Telecommunication Systems from DePaul University. She currently resides in Chicago and a has an affinity for all things Dachshund.

Traci Wei - Owner & CEO

Kristen Jacobucci - Sr. Conference & Event Director

Kristen is a Conference & Event Director at CAPS, LLC with a specialization in event logistics and marketing. She has been a member of the CAPS team since 2001 and has managed a large variety of meetings ranging from small executive forums to large association conferences both domestically and internationally. ​ Kristen has a background in sales and holds a B.A. in Marketing from Indiana University. She currently lives in Northern Indiana with her husband.

Kristen Jacobucci - Sr. Conference & Event Director

Grace Staley - CORE Ambassador

Grace Staley has been part of the FIRST Events Team since 2018, with her first FIRST being the 2019 edition of the Annual FIRST Conference which was held in Edinburgh, Scotland. She serves as Associate Conference Director and Engagement Coordinator for the FIRST Events Team, which manages FIRST's conferences and programs throughout the year.

In this role, she works closely with sponsors and partners across our global community and serves as the primary point of contact for vendor engagement at FIRST events. She also supports FIRST's Special Interest Groups (SIGs), helping foster collaboration and shared learning across the network.

Grace holds a bachelor's degree in Communication with an emphasis in rhetoric and public communication. She has a strong interest in languages and connection through culture and can often be found nose-deep in a book, attending a play, or diligently fighting for a continued Duolingo streak.

Based in Chicago, she lives with her best friend, Iago Linguini, an impressively fluffy cat. It is known the best pets have wonderfully ridiculous names.

Grace Staley - Events

Lauren Voytal - Conference & Event Director

Lauren is a Conference and Event Director at CAPS. She joined the team in February 2023 filling the roll of Event Team Assistant. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in events and hospitality and 5 years of experience in executive assistance and administration.

She holds an AA in Business Management, BA in Communication, and an MBA in Project Management. Lauren currently lives in the suburbs of Chicago. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, cooking, and the great outdoors.

Lauren Voytal - Conference & Event Director

Jenny Lacsamana - Administrative Assistant

Jenny is the Administrative Assistant at CAPS, having joined the company in July 2025. She is responsible for providing general administrative support and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the organization.

Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Don Honorio Ventura State University in the Philippines and became a licensed Civil Engineer in April 2023. Jenny brings a strong academic foundation, technical knowledge, and administrative expertise to her role, supporting the team with professionalism and dedication.

Jenny Lacsamana - Administrative Assistant